Tips for staying steady
Here are some simple actions you can take to keep steady on your feet:
- exercise regularly – focus on activities that challenge your balance and strengthen your legs and upper body, such as gardening, dancing or tai chi. You could sign up to one of our strength and balance classes around the county (link to page). Or watch the video below for six simple exercises (link to video on main falls page) to help prevent falls
- check your eyes and hearing – go for regular sight tests and report difficulties you have with hearing in order to identify problems affecting your balance
- look after your feet – wear well-fitted shoes and slippers, and report any foot problems to your GP or chiropodist
- review your medication – certain medicines can make you feel faint or affect your balance. Please let your GP or pharmacist know if you ever feel like this
- get enough vitamin D intake – vitamin D is essential for keeping bones strong – the best source is sunshine
- eat a diet rich in calcium – calcium also helps to keep your bones strong. Good sources are dairy foods, fortified soya products and canned fish with bones
- check your home for hazards – make sure your home is hazard-free, well-lit, warm and don't climb up to reach things out of cupboards
- contact your GP – if you’ve had a fall or are worried about falling, tell your GP. There are many ways to help you feel confident again
- remove clutter – mop up any spillages quickly
- get a free home safety check– contact us on 0300 500 80 80 to find out more. Our Handy Person Adaption Service can provide help with essential minor adaptations and small practical jobs.
